Lewd conduct report near campus Monday

Lewd conduct was reported near campus Monday, Nov. 6 by a female Western student who was walking when a man called to her from a parked car while masturbating.

The incident occurred at 8:15 a.m. Both Bellingham Police Department and University Police responded to the incident on Larabee Avenue and 21st Street. They were unable to locate the perpetrator.

The suspect was described as having medium-length hair, dark eyes and complexion, wearing a black zip-up jacket. He was driving a 1990s or 2000s cream or white-colored compact sedan with beige interior.

This incident, as well as recent incidents near campus, are still under investigation.

Western Director of Communications Paul Cocke said safety takes precedence for all individuals on campus.

“University Police is working closely with Bellingham Police on these incidents. The safety of Western’s students, faculty, staff and visitors is our highest priority,” Cocke said in an email.

Cocke urged anyone with information on this incident to contact Bellingham Police at 911 or University Police at 3911.

Students can call green coats, the campus security and safety force, if they feel unsafe or need an escort at 360-650-3555.

Support services are also offered to students, faculty and staff at Western’s Counseling Center.

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